Stories from UOW

You’ll likely have one of these 6 ATAR reactions

No matter what your final Year 12 result is, chances are you’ll have one of these ATAR reactions.

Good, bad or in between – there aren’t that many possible outcomes on ATAR morning, but you may experience a few ATAR reactions when that final message comes through.

Keep in mind though: Whether you’re a #1 or #4, there are loads of options for what you do with it.

1. It’s what you need

This is where it all comes together. The bullseye, nothing but net, straight over the black dot – you played the perfect game, and you’re set to start next year the way you want. There’s actually very little to do at this point except celebrate. Well done you!

2. It’s good … like, too good

Is this for real, was there some mix-up? Nope, that’s your ATAR, waaaay up there.
You didn’t plan for this! What are you going to do with all this ATAR?
You suddenly only have a couple of days to look at uni courses again and figure out what you want to do.
One thing to keep in mind: the only way you can waste ATAR points is by picking a degree you don’t really want to do, that leads to a career you don’t care about. So, don’t just pick a course because you can. Look instead for high-achiever and advanced degrees in your field of interest, like Dean’s Scholar programs.

3. It’s a near miss!

You’re a couple of points shy of what you need for the degree you really want. Like all near-misses, this can be more annoying than not even coming close at all, particularly if things have gone well for you all year.
There’s a good chance the degree you want is still in reach – you just might not get there exactly how you imagined. Don’t forget things like Bonus Points, Alternative Pathways and related degree options that can get you where you want to be. Speak to people who can give you sound advice. Call or email UOW’s Admissions Advising Team. They can give you advice on the best way to move forward with your preferences – so you can get where you want to be. (See #6)

4. It’s baaaaaad*

Hey, there’s no sugar coat that can completely cover the disappointment of missing the ATAR you wanted by a wide margin.
A low ATAR doesn’t close the door to uni, it might just mean you need to take a different path. If you’re headed for UOW, finding out what your options are is as simple as a phone call or email.
*It’s never that bad, guaranteed. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. (See #6)

5. WiFi is down/you’ve got no reception and you’re getting impatient

Of all the days for technology to fail you it had to be today! If you’ve ruled out a family member playing a cruel prank on you and the old ‘switch it off and on again’ trick doesn’t work for the WiFi – just relax or go for a walk, you may get better reception down the street.

6. You realise your ATAR’s not everything

Remember, it’s a rank showing your relative position among other HSC students, not a score. It doesn’t directly measure your ability to do anything, and universities know this. That’s why there are alternative entry methods, and academic support (even for the best students) to make sure people keep on track.
Most of the time ATARs are a great indicator that someone has what it takes to succeed at uni, but not always. Someone with a low ATAR might be the next university medallist. Someone with a really high ATAR will still have to work hard to succeed at uni. Whatever that message says on ATAR morning, your story’s not over.